THIS short walk starts with a steep climb that is rewarded by a surprise: a stunning 360-degree view, writes JOHN EDMONDSON. It continues through quiet woodland, emerges to an open area with further panoramic views and makes a pleasant circuit of two reservoirs.

To drive to the start, leave the A590 dual carriageway via the slip road for Ayside and park on the east side of the flyover on the No Through Road (the old A590) near the entrance to Whitestone Caravan Park, grid reference SD 390 841, postcode LA11 6JD.

INFORMATION

Distance: 4.5 miles with 1,000 feet of ascent.

Time: 2.5 hours

Terrain: grassy paths (boggy in parts) and tarmacked lane.

Map: OS Explorer OL7

ROUTE

1 Follow the signed footpath into Whitestone Caravan Park and continue up a grassy slope following waymarkers up a woodland path to a balcony path with views over Ayside and Seatle. At the top of the slope continue following waymarkers to a wall stile then walk alongside a wall on the right and across a boggy area. At the top of the slope turn left to reach the summit of White Stone and enjoy stunning 360-degree views.

2 Descend, continuing northwards, to the wall into a valley. Cross the beck then go up the other side of the valley and into a shallower valley where you turn right at a waymarker. The path goes uphill and swings left across a flat boggy area. Cross the fence stile in a wall gap into woodland and follow the path, bending around to the right. On meeting the forest track turn right. After 110 yards on the outside of a wide, left-hand bend, turn right beside a tiny (one foot high) cairn, passing a waymarker after 10 yards. This area of young conifers is called Bog End Moss. Go through a field gate out of the plantation and across a field. Further panoramic views, including the Howgills, are visible to the left. Go through a field gate then walk beside a wall on the right to meet a tarmacked lane.

3 Turn right and continue along the lane past The Height farm and over a cattle grid. Views of the Kent estuary towards Storth appear ahead. Turn right at the road junction and continue to a road gate beside High Newton Reservoir. Turn immediately right after the gate, go through a kissing gate and walk around the edge of the reservoir. In 2012 the Lake District National Park Authority worked alongside ramblers and businesses to give legal access to this area. The reservoir was built to supply Grange-over-Sands with water in 1878. Before then, the residents had to rely on freshwater springs. High Newton is now stocked with brown and rainbow trout and is probably the best ‘top of the water’ (where the line floats on the water surface) rainbow trout fishery in Cumbria. Keep right to visit No 2 reservoir then follow the path around the reservoirs to the lane. Turn right descending towards Ayside. Turn sharp right at the bottom of the hill. After passing The Blue House bed and breakfast turn right and walk alongside the former A590 back to where the walk began.

Next week: Kentmere Pike, Branstree and Selside Pike

NB: restrictions on space mean that this article provides a general summary of the route. It is advisable for anyone who plans to follow the walk to take a copy of the relevant Ordnance Survey map.